Current situation:

I have been using my 1999 Chevy Blazer for business purposes over the years. It's been fine, for the most part, but it's starting to show age and MPG is not ideal for stop-and-go and occasional heavy traffic. I do have the IS350, but MPG is really not a whole lot better than the Blazer when put in those traffic conditions. I'd also prefer not to put that workload on my Lexus as it seems to have taken its toll on the Blazer.

What I'm looking for:

Something reliable with hopefully a relatively lower operational cost. Smaller is OK this time around, as I rarely haul anything large or heavy. From the little I know about hybrids, the Prius seems to make sense from a gas-price-standpoint in stop and go traffic. I don't put a lot of mileage on the car, but days with 10-20 stops are not out of the question. I'd prefer something with four doors. A mini wagon or hatchback might do nicely.

I'd really appreciate any input or thoughts anybody might have. There are a number of vehicles I've been considering but I'd really like to see if there are any I have overlooked.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

EDIT for newcomers to the thread:

There is no spending limit set in stone, however, I am thinking inexpensive vehicles are the way to go since it is a delivery vehicle.

Current frontrunners seem to be the Honda Fit and Toyota Prius, possibly the Camry Hybrid as well. There are a number of other suggestions that I am grateful for and will be looked at and assessed. I welcome any further suggestions or comments.

Advertising potential is something I consider, however it will not be a dealbreaker. I may just go with simple and small markings.

 

What exactly are you delivering?


The Honda Fit might be a good idea with their fold-down seats...

 

How much are you trying to spend?

 

oh yeah... that too...

 

get a toaster.

 

mini cooper clubman S

 

Generally very small packages. I manufacture rubber stamps. Most of the time, I can fit the day's haul on the front seat and the front floorboards. When there is a big order that I am delivering, the trunk or rear cargo area of a wagon or hatch would be helpful. I will also use the car to pick up office/shop supplies, but rarely is it more than I think any car can haul.

The fold-down seats of the Honda Fit are something I have been considering. Thank you.


There's no set limit on what I am willing to spend. Since this is a vehicle destined to take the daily beating of traffic and a lot of start/stop driving, I am thinking cheap vehicles will be easier to replace when needed. But if there is a good candidate you have in mind that isn't necessarily an economy car, please feel free to suggest it.

That's a nice one that I hadn't considered yet. Thank you.

 

might want to check, since depending on a few factors you might be able to get a tax break on certain types of cars. i wonder if the large suv thing still counts as a huge writeoff. otherwise i would say a XB or like someone else said a fit.

 

Fit, Scion xB or xD, Prius (little more pricey... but you get some gas savings), Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe,

 

The stupid Smart might do in this round also...
but it requires premium gas...

Fit is a very nice one, the Matrix/Vibe is not as good, I mean it's bigger than the fit, but not as practical... and if the new one's like the old, the Matrix turns out to be a gas guzzler.

When in doubt, get a old pre 90's Civic, they gets great gas mileage too and it's cheap to replace. lol

 

That's a great suggestion. I had heard of the large vehicle tax break (I think 6000 lbs. or heavier or something like that), but I am unaware of any other breaks that may be available.

I know some of my customers use xB's as their run-about-town-delivery vehicles as well. Thanks!

Great suggestions. Thanks! I had honestly never considered the Pontiac though. Is it better than the usual GM offering?

 

I had thought about the Smart in passing at times. I think it may be too small and too much of a spectacle in the end though. Although that may be a good thing if I plaster my logo and phone number all over it...hmmmm.....

Thanks for the input on the Matrix. I was unaware of its tendency to guzzle gas. That may be the dealbreaker if there are more fuel-efficient engines in its class like the Fit.

As for the used car idea--I have definitely gone over that in my head. Problem is, I am looking to get worry-free service for a number of years so I'm thinking new is the best way to do that. An older Civic (even CVCC) would do the trick though...thanks for the suggestion.

 

1st generation xB

 

From a business operations standpoint, is shipping your stamps an option? Have you considered doing that? The cost savings might just be worth it given today's gas prices + your driving time + wear and tear on your delivery vehicle. USPS? UPS? FEDEX? Bicycle delivery persons if you live in a bigger city?

 

fit is best IMO, they have an extremely versatile cargo area and also a very comfortable ride.